Frequently Asked Question
Land UsePalm oil and “veganism is worse”
Last reviewed: January 9, 2026
Summary
Palm oil has serious biodiversity impacts in some regions, but it is not uniquely “vegan,” and many animal products also drive habitat loss and higher emissions. The rational approach is to reduce overall demand for deforestation-linked commodities and choose certified/deforestation-free sources where available.
Evidence Summary
- Compare products using land/emissions metrics, not labels. Evidence quality: Moderate Limitations / nuance: Palm oil substitution can shift impacts to other crops; solutions involve governance and supply-chain standards. Bottom line: Palm oil is a real issue; it doesn’t invalidate veganism.